As Darrelle Revis returns, Morris Claiborne is exactly what Jets need

The former returns to MetLife Stadium Sunday in his Chiefs debut, Revis’ first NFL game since the Jets cut him over the offseason. Once the future Hall of Famer was gone, New York brought in Claiborne. The 27-year-old from LSU signed a one-year contract and stepped into some pretty big shoes as Gang Green’s No. 1 cornerback.

The results have been everything the Jets could have hoped for and more.

Claiborne has been among the league’s best defensive backs this season. On top of that, he’s meshed well with the Jets young secondary and has quickly become a Todd Bowles favorite.

“He’s been great [for our culture],” the head coach said, according to the NY Post, “He’s a pro. He comes to play every day.”

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Claiborne has helped lead a secondary filled with young talent, taking players such as Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye and Daryl Roberts under his wing.

On the field, he’s been a lockdown corner. Claiborne has yet to allow a touchdown this season and has 34 tackles, seven passes defended and one interception.

Compare those numbers to Revis’ a year ago. In 15 games in 2016, Revis Island had a combined 53 tackles and one interception. He allowed 47 receptions for 629 yards and three touchdowns.

Claiborne has been a clear No. 1 cornerback for the Jets and has filled Revis’ shoes with ease. That applies on the field just as much as it does off it. Last season, Revis hurt the Jets more than he helped them, but Claiborne has been an improvement since the day he arrived.

With Revis returning home Sunday, the Jets can’t be any more happy with their decision to dump him and add Claiborne.

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